Toyahvale & Dallas, TX — Released Thursday, a new scientific analysis of the system of springs feeding Texas’ Balmorhea State Park in the Chihuahuan Desert indicates that new oil and gas production proposed by Apache Corp. could pollute or otherwise disrupt the springs that make Balmorhea a global tourist destination. The report was authored by hydrologist Tom Myers, Ph.D for the Balmorhea community group Save Our Springs Too and national environmental group Earthworks.

“This report shows that oil and gas production threatens everything that makes our desert oasis special,” said Neta Rhyne owner of Funky Li’l Dive Shop in Toyahvale, home to Balmorhea State Park, adding: “The springs are the heart of our economy and our community. People aren’t going to come from all over the world to swim and scuba dive in water polluted by fracking.”

The gas Apache intends to extract from this area is ultimately intended for export to Mexican consumers via the controversial Trans Pecos Pipeline that would go through the Big Bend region.

“We can believe Apache’s promises, or we can look at the oil and gas industry’s track record” said Earthworks Gulf Regional Organizer Sharon Wilson.

Wilson continued: “They say, ‘We need to drill for energy independence!’ But this gas is destined for Mexico through the Trans Pecos Pipeline. They say, ‘Oil and gas drilling is safe!’ But the Environmental Protection Agency has documented hundreds of spills from fracking-related drilling. They say, ‘We’ll treat Balmorhea with kid gloves!’ But Apache has already intentionally drilled a fault close to Balmorhea Lake. No more drilling permits should be issued until a complete environmental impact analysis can be done. There’s too much at stake.”

A community meeting to discuss oil and gas development in the region, its risks, and what to do about it, will occur Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., at the Balmorhea Community Center. Hosted by Save Our Springs Too, it will include a discussion Myers’ analysis and also feature a panel of speakers: